Congratulations, Coach

Columbia Falls boys basketball coach Cary Finberg said he was surprised last week at the postseason team banquet when he was commemorated for his 200th win. But it was no surprise to a community that has watched Finberg rebuild the Wildcats basketball program since taking the reins in 1996. At the time the team had barely won eight games the previous three seasons, and hadn’t won a divisional tournament game since 1991. In Finberg’s first year of coaching the Wildcats made it to state, and since then the program has soared, winning three state championships and racking up a 107-30 record the last seven years.

Finberg leads by example, with a work ethic honed in the blue-collar community and family values that run deep. He’s quick to credit others, especially his team and assistant coaches, for their success. It’s in that humility that Finberg shines the brightest. He’s the quintessential role model, on and off the court.

FLATHEAD VALLEY Community College’s new Scholars Program has further elevated an already exceptional community college by attracting some of our best and brightest students. The program draws top high-school graduates by giving them full tuition, a cash stipend, access to their own lounge and a special classroom.

By creating honors courses, FVCC is also enabling its Scholars Program students to more easily compete for honors status once they transfer to a four-year college.

The Scholars Program has created an inspiring environment for these highly motivated students, and its director says class members thrive as they shoulder the responsibility of preparing and presenting projects to their fellow Scholars students.

Time and time again, FVCC has taken a leadership role, anticipating what the community and its citizens need. The Scholars Program is another fine example of the college’s commitment to excellence.